How To Make Super Crispy Tempura (Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura)

Tempura is a delicious Japanese dish where both seafood and veggies are dipped in a light batter and fried until they're crispy and golden. It's like the Japanese version of fish and chips but with a special twist that makes it super light and crunchy. We've previously shared a gluten-free tempura recipe on our blog, but this time we would like to introduce the original recipe.

The story of tempura dates back to the 1500s when Portuguese people arrived in Japan, introducing the concept of frying food in batter. This technique was embraced and adapted by the Japanese, leading to the creation of what we now know as tempura. So, what does tempura mean? The term "tempura" is derived from a Latin word used by the Portuguese, reflecting the dish's historical influences. As for what is tempura batter, it typically consists of cold water, flour, and sometimes eggs, resulting in a light and crispy coating that perfectly complements various vegetables and seafood, making tempura a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine.

Making tempura batter is simple but needs to be done just right. It uses cold sparkling water, flour, and egg. The cold sparkling water is a neat trick because it stops the batter from soaking up too much oil and creates tiny air pockets when it's fried, keeping the tempura light and not greasy. You can use lots of different ingredients for tempura, like shrimp, fish, and veggies such as sweet potatoes and bell peppers. Each piece gets coated in the batter and fried until it looks just right - crispy and light. Tempura tastes delicious when sprinkled with salt and a splash of lemon. Also, you can dip tempura in a special sauce called tentsuyu, made from soy sauce, a sweet wine called mirin, and fish broth. This sauce adds a yummy depth of flavor.

Tempura can also be served over rice or with noodles, making for a hearty meal. If you go to a restaurant that specializes in tempura, you'll see how much care goes into making it. From picking the freshest ingredients to frying them perfectly, it's all about creating that perfect bite that's crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tempura showcases how Japan took an idea from another country and made it uniquely their own, creating a dish that's loved by people all around the world for its delicious taste and light, crispy texture.